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Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Model of Neonatal Stroke in P10 Rats
Published on: April 21, 2017
Preterm arterial ischemic stroke
M J N L Benders1, F Groenendaal, L S De Vries
1Department of Neonatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, UMC Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Seminars in Fetal & Neonatal Medicine
|August 7, 2009
Summary
Perinatal arterial ischemic stroke (PAIS) affects many preterm infants, often involving the middle cerebral artery (MCA). These infants face higher risks for motor, cognitive, and language impairments.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Stroke
Background:
- Perinatal arterial ischemic stroke (PAIS) research often excludes preterm infants.
- Preterm infants represent a significant portion of PAIS cases, necessitating specific study.
- Understanding PAIS in preterm neonates is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics and risk factors of PAIS in a preterm infant population.
- To compare neurodevelopmental outcomes between preterm and full-term infants with PAIS.
- To identify specific arterial territories and associated risk factors in preterm PAIS.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, hospital-based study of 73 newborn infants with PAIS.
- Analysis of gestational age (GA), affected cerebral arteries, and clinical risk factors.
- Neurodevelopmental outcome assessment at 2 years of age.
Main Results:
- 42% of infants with PAIS were preterm (GA ≤36 weeks).
- Middle cerebral artery (MCA) was most frequently affected, particularly the main branch in preterm infants with GA >33 weeks.
- Independent risk factors included twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, fetal heart rate abnormality, and hypoglycemia; no maternal factors were identified.
Conclusions:
- PAIS is common in preterm infants, with distinct patterns of MCA involvement based on GA.
- Infants with main branch MCA infarcts, regardless of term status, show the highest risk for motor/cognitive impairment.
- Preterm infants with PAIS experience more language problems at 2 years, highlighting the need for targeted developmental support.
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